What medication should the nurse anticipate for a client with generalized anxiety disorder?

Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication specifically indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Unlike other anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepines, which can lead to dependence, buspirone offers a non-habit forming alternative for managing anxiety symptoms. It works by affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate the persistent and excessive anxiety characteristic of GAD without causing sedation or significant cognitive impairment.

In contrast, the other medications listed are not suitable for GAD; for example, haloperidol and fluphenazine are antipsychotics used primarily for conditions like schizophrenia or severe behavioral problems, rather than anxiety disorders. Methylphenidate is a stimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, which is unrelated to anxiety management. Therefore, the choice of buspirone is appropriate for addressing the clinical needs of a client with generalized anxiety disorder.